Lighting Sabbath Candles

Friday afternoons the wood-burning oven was heated, and the cholent was placed there to cook overnight for the Sabbath meal. The house was cleaned, and everyone dressed in their good Sabbath clothes and freshly polished shoes. Before sundown Mother blessed the Sabbath candles. The brass candlesticks she had received as a dowry from her parents. We had no services Friday nights. Father said the evening prayer alone, and the festive Friday night meal was served.